Friday, June 15, 2012

Happy Father's Day to the Strongest, Courageous and Greatest DAD ever!

Dad, we miss you so much. We miss your hugs, kisses, and your voice. You always had great advise for me and Matthew. Your jokes would brighten our day and your insane outburst make for great memories. It's hard to believe that you are no longer with us. Your presence is so strong that we often find ourselves waiting for you or ready to call out your name. Many times I am turning around to walk with you or ready to point something out to you.
As I am preparing for my college journey I am guided by the words you wisely spoke to me. I know that even though you may not be here physically, you will continue to guide me in life with all you taught me over the years and experiences we have shared.
Matthew will grow to be the spinning image of you and we will make sure he becomes as great of man as his daddy was. He continues to look to you for strength and courage. You continue to guide him with your legacy and will always remain as a significant influence to the man he will become.
Dad, you are never far. We love you and appreciate all you have done for us and will continue to do. We are so lucky to have you as our Papeechee! Happy Father's Day!

5 comments:

Seeing this pic as the screen popped up was like you guys literally just went on a trip. It's weird because sometimes it just doesn't seem like he's gone. It is so easy to feel and think.. eh Marco is not feeling well, or he is in a bad mood and didn't come out the room -- or he decided to stay home to relax and get a break from you crazies. And then it gets really weird when you just don't want to go there and remind yourself of the reality. It is just so much better to enjoy him in the present and constantly have the reminders of his sayings, jokes, actions, faces, and comfort that things are no big deal. I find myself sitting in silence sometimes and poof I am living the moment like a movie (when someone is there alone, living a past moment as if it is right there - actually happening) He constantly brings a smile to my face. Love you guys. Miss having you around Marcito.

I lost a very close relative to this rare disease as well three years ago. It began with a very unassuming bump on the back of his knee. It then became same experience that you mentioned in your timeline. Fortunately, he was able to fight and hang on for a couple more years that what was originally expected. What made his passing easier to deal with was the fact that he was in (and possibly with) good spirits during his last few hours with us.

I found your blog since I recently watched a film that had a minor character with the same disease.Though I was forewarned about the scene,it brought back some emotions that lead me to your site.

Our New Blog

What is Soft-Tissue Sarcoma?

Soft tissue sarcomas are cancerous tumors that originate in the soft tissues of the body.

These tissues include muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons and the lining of the joints. Marco's sarcoma started off as a tumor in his calf muscle in December 2007. The tumor was surgically removed, then treated with radiation.

The cancer later spread to his lung area, the tumors were also surgically removed, his body treated with chemo. He had three more tumors in his lungs, which they tried to shrink down with chemo.

Doctors had ruled out any more surgeries after chemo but they finally agreed.

On March 15, 2010 they removed the three tumors from his lungs, a section of the lung and diaphragm and three sections of ribs. Marco was in intensive care for over a week fighting an infection.

A CT scan showed worrisome signs that the cancer was back and it was confirmed with a PET scan.

Marco went through the maximum number of chemos to try to shrink that tumor. The tumor was not being responsive to the chemo in the shoulder area and there was a new tumor discovered near the aorta that was showing some response.

On Jan 15, 2011 Marco started 6 weeks of radiation aimed at his chest area, 5 days a week 30 min a day before surgery options were put on the table again.

After much debate, surgery was completed March 28, 2011. Marco underwent a painful recovery at home, only to discover over the Labor Day weekend that the sarcoma has spread to his brain.

Marco had brain surgery September 2011 to have the brain tumor removed. He also completed radiation to the operated area. On October 2011, Marco exhausted all of his treatment options at City of Hope. Marco entered home hospice care.

On March 3, 2012, Marco passed away at home surrounded by his family. You can read the posts and archive to read his story.